12+ Catfish Fillet Recipes Easy For Any Weeknight

I still remember coming home on a weekday with a grocery bag that smelled faintly of lemon and summer markets, and realizing I had two hungry kids and only a couple of catfish fillets to turn into dinner. Those were the nights when simple, reliable recipes saved the evening and earned themselves a spot in the rotation. Whether you pick up fresh fillets at the market or thaw frozen ones from the freezer, these 12+ Catfish Fillet Recipes Easy For Any Weeknight are built for busy kitchens: quick prep, forgiving techniques, and flavors that feel like a treat without the fuss.

1. Crispy Cornmeal Pan-Fried Catfish Fillets

Why You’ll Love It:

This is the kind of recipe that turns a mundane weeknight into comfort-food gold. The cornmeal crust gives each fillet a crunchy edge that kids and adults both reach for. It cooks quickly on the stovetop and pairs well with whatever side is easiest that night.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 27 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 lb catfish fillets, rinsed and patted dry
• 3/4 cup yellow cornmeal
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

How to Make It:

1. Season fillets with a little salt and pepper.
2. Combine cornmeal, flour, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl.
3. Dip fillets in beaten egg, then press into the cornmeal mixture to coat.
4. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
5. Fry fillets 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
6. Drain briefly on paper towel, sprinkle with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.

Optional Enhancers (include 1–2 per recipe):

Serving Idea: Serve with coleslaw and oven fries for a casual dinner or with steamed green beans for a lighter option.

Best Pairings: Coleslaw roasted potatoes lemon wedges

2. Blackened Catfish Fillets with Cajun Spice

Why You’ll Love It:

Blackening spices deliver bold flavor in minutes, and this method is perfect when you want big taste with minimal cleanup. It works beautifully for a quick family dinner or a casual get-together when everyone wants something spicy and smoky.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1.5 lb catfish fillets
• 2 tbsp paprika
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter

How to Make It:

1. Mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cayenne, and salt in a bowl.
2. Pat fillets dry and rub both sides generously with the spice mix.
3. Melt butter in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Sear fillets 3 to 4 minutes per side until spices form a dark crust and fish flakes easily.
5. Serve immediately with lime slices.

Optional Enhancers (include 1–2 per recipe):

Flavor Boost: Add a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro right before serving to brighten the spices.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Avoid overcrowding the skillet or the fillets will steam instead of getting a crisp crust.

3. Baked Lemon Butter Catfish Fillets

Why You’ll Love It:

If you prefer hands-off cooking, baking catfish in a lemon butter sauce is foolproof. It feels elegant but barely needs babysitting, so you can focus on sides or unwrapping homework stories at the table.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 8 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 23 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1.25 lb catfish fillets
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 400 F.
2. Place fillets in a baking dish and season with salt and pepper.
3. Whisk melted butter lemon juice zest and garlic and pour over fillets.
4. Bake 12 to 15 minutes until fish is opaque and flakes easily.
5. Sprinkle with parsley and serve with pan juices spooned over the fillets.

Optional Enhancers (include 1–2 per recipe):

Meal Prep Tip: Make the lemon butter in advance and store in a small jar in the fridge. Rewarm before pouring over fish.

Serving Idea: Pair with steamed asparagus and new potatoes for an easy weeknight plate.

4. Air Fryer Crispy Catfish Fillets

Why You’ll Love It:

The air fryer gives the satisfying crunch of frying without much oil and with less mess. It’s a quick route to a crispy exterior and flaky interior, ideal for nights when you want fast results and lighter fare.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 12 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 22 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1.5 lb catfish fillets
• 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• Cooking spray
• Lemon wedges for serving

How to Make It:

1. Preheat air fryer to 400 F.
2. Mix panko parmesan paprika and garlic powder in a shallow dish.
3. Dip fillets in beaten egg then press into panko mixture.
4. Spray fillets lightly with cooking spray and arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
5. Cook 8 to 10 minutes until golden and cooked through, flipping halfway.
6. Serve with lemon wedges.

Optional Enhancers (include 1–2 per recipe):

Budget-Friendly Tip: Use plain breadcrumbs instead of panko for a lower-cost option with similar crunch.

Meal Prep Tip: Coat fillets and store uncooked in the fridge for up to 24 hours, then air fry when ready.

5. Sheet Pan Roasted Catfish with Vegetables

Why You’ll Love It:

Sheet pan dinners are practical and tidy. Roasting catfish alongside seasonal vegetables creates a complete meal with one pan to wash, which is perfect for busy weeknights when cleanup time matters.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1.5 lb catfish fillets
• 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
• 8 oz cherry tomatoes
• 8 oz green beans, trimmed
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 lemon, sliced

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 425 F.
2. Toss potatoes with 2 tbsp olive oil salt and thyme and spread on a sheet pan; roast 15 minutes.
3. Add green beans and cherry tomatoes, drizzle remaining oil, and nestle fillets among vegetables.
4. Season fillets and place lemon slices on top.
5. Roast an additional 10 minutes until fish is opaque and potatoes are tender.
6. Serve straight from the pan.

Optional Enhancers (include 1–2 per recipe):

Meal Prep Tip: Cut vegetables the night before to cut assembly time when you get home.

Serving Idea: Serve with a simple green salad for extra freshness.

6. Catfish Tacos with Quick Pickled Slaw

Why You’ll Love It:

Tacos are endlessly customizable and great for feeding a crowd quickly. Blackened or pan-fried catfish folded into warm tortillas with a crisp, tangy slaw makes for a lively weeknight meal everyone can assemble to taste.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 lb catfish fillets
• 8 small corn tortillas
• 2 cups shredded red cabbage
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp salt

How to Make It:

1. Toss cabbage with vinegar sugar and salt and let sit to quick pickle.
2. Rub fillets with olive oil chili powder and salt.
3. Pan-sear fillets 3 to 4 minutes per side until cooked through then flake into large pieces.
4. Warm tortillas, fill with flaked fish slaw and avocado slices.
5. Serve with lime wedges.

Optional Enhancers (include 1–2 per recipe):

Serving Idea: Offer a tray of toppings like pickled onions cilantro and sliced radishes so everyone can customize tacos.

Flavor Boost: Mix a little mayonnaise with lime zest and hot sauce for a creamy drizzle.

7. Parmesan Herb Crusted Catfish

Why You’ll Love It:

A Parmesan herb crust adds savory depth and a satisfying crisp without heavy frying. It feels just special enough for a weeknight dinner when you want something a bit elevated but still easy to pull off.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 12 minutes

Cook Time: 14 minutes

Total Time: 26 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1.25 lb catfish fillets
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 425 F.
2. Mix Parmesan panko parsley lemon zest salt and pepper.
3. Brush fillets with olive oil and press crust mixture onto the top of each fillet.
4. Bake 12 to 14 minutes until crust is golden and fish flakes easily.
5. Serve with lemon wedges.

Optional Enhancers (include 1–2 per recipe):

Swap This With That: Swap panko for crushed Ritz crackers for a buttery crust alternative.

Best Pairings: Steamed broccoli roasted carrots crusty bread

8. Honey Garlic Glazed Catfish Fillets

Why You’ll Love It:

A sticky honey garlic glaze turns catfish into a sweet-savory centerpiece that kids often enjoy. It takes almost no time to make and gives you a punchy sauce to spoon over rice or noodles.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 22 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1.25 lb catfish fillets
• 3 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water
• 2 tbsp sliced green onions
• 1 tsp sesame seeds

How to Make It:

1. Mix honey soy sauce garlic and rice vinegar in a small bowl.
2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear fillets 3 minutes per side until nearly cooked.
3. Pour honey garlic sauce into the pan and bring to a simmer.
4. Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until sauce thickens and coats the fillets.
5. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds and serve over rice.

Optional Enhancers (include 1–2 per recipe):

Flavor Boost: Add a splash of toasted sesame oil to the sauce for deeper flavor.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Do not let the honey burn; lower heat if the sauce starts to darken too quickly.

9. Tomato Basil Catfish Stew

Why You’ll Love It:

When you want comfort in a bowl, a tomato basil stew is soothing and simple. It cooks quickly and stretches easily to feed more people, which makes it ideal for nights when schedules collide.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1.5 lb catfish fillets, cut into large chunks
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can 14 oz diced tomatoes
• 1 cup low sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, torn
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

How to Make It:

1. Heat oil in a pot over medium heat and sauté onion until soft.
2. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Pour in tomatoes and broth and bring to a simmer.
4. Add catfish chunks, cover, and simmer 6 to 8 minutes until fish is opaque.
5. Stir in basil, season to taste, and ladle into bowls with bread.

Optional Enhancers (include 1–2 per recipe):

Meal Prep Tip: Make the tomato base ahead and refrigerate. Reheat and add catfish when ready to serve.

Best Pairings: Crusty bread simple green salad

10. Pan-Seared Catfish with Caper Lemon Butter

Why You’ll Love It:

The briny pop of capers brightened by lemon butter turns a simple fillet into an elegant meal. It cooks in minutes and the sauce feels restaurant-level without complicated steps.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 8 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 18 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1.25 lb catfish fillets
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp capers, drained
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley

How to Make It:

1. Season fillets with salt and pepper.
2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear fillets 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden.
3. Remove fish to a plate and lower heat.
4. Melt butter in the same skillet add capers and lemon juice and simmer 1 minutes.
5. Spoon sauce over fillets and garnish with parsley.

Optional Enhancers (include 1–2 per recipe):

Serving Idea: Serve on a bed of buttered rice or alongside roasted asparagus.

Personal Note: I often make this when I want a quick meal that still feels a little special for company.

11. Catfish in Foil with Mediterranean Herbs

Why You’ll Love It:

Foil packets are perfect for clean, easy cooking and infuse the fish with bright Mediterranean flavors. They steam in their own juices, keeping the fillets moist and tender with minimal hands-on time.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1.5 lb catfish fillets
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 4 sprigs fresh rosemary

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 400 F.
2. Place fillets on individual pieces of foil and top with tomatoes olives lemon slices and a drizzle of olive oil.
3. Sprinkle oregano salt and pepper and tuck a rosemary sprig into each packet.
4. Seal packets and bake 12 to 15 minutes until fish is cooked through.
5. Open carefully and serve with pan juices spooned over.

Optional Enhancers (include 1–2 per recipe):

Swap This With That: Swap kalamata olives for chopped artichoke hearts if you prefer a milder briny note.

Meal Prep Tip: Assemble packets ahead and keep refrigerated until ready to bake.

12. Spicy Tomato Curry Catfish

Why You’ll Love It:

A quick curry transforms catfish into a fragrant, warming dinner that pairs perfectly with rice. It is forgiving on spice levels so you can make it mild or turn up the heat for adults.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 12 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1.25 lb catfish fillets, cut into chunks
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp grated ginger
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• 1 can 14 oz crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

How to Make It:

1. Heat oil in a saucepan and sauté onion until soft.
2. Add garlic ginger and curry powder and cook 1 minutes.
3. Stir in crushed tomatoes and simmer 5 minutes.
4. Add coconut milk and bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Add catfish chunks and cook 6 to 8 minutes until fish is opaque.
6. Sprinkle with cilantro and serve over rice.

Optional Enhancers (include 1–2 per recipe):

Flavor Boost: Add a squeeze of lime at the end to brighten the curry.

Personal Note: This curry is a favorite when I want something cozy and aromatic without much fuss.

FAQ

Q: Can I use frozen catfish fillets for these recipes?

A: Yes. Thaw frozen fillets in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water before cooking for best texture and even cooking.

Q: How do I know when catfish is cooked through?

A: Catfish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and the flesh is opaque throughout. Internal temperature should reach 145 F if you use a thermometer.

Q: What is the best way to store leftover cooked catfish?

A: Cool leftovers within two hours and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to avoid overcooking.

Q: Can I substitute other white fish for catfish in these recipes?

A: Yes. Firm white fish like tilapia, cod, or haddock work well with the same methods and seasonings.

Conclusion

These 12+ catfish fillet recipes make weeknight dinners feel manageable and varied. They lean on simple techniques—pan-frying, baking, roasting, air-frying, and quick stews—so you can pick the method that fits your evening. Try one that matches what you already have in the kitchen, and don’t be afraid to mix in a favorite side or tweak a spice level. With a few steady recipes like these, you’ll build a reliable weeknight repertoire that keeps dinner interesting and stress low.